I can’t say I’m a big follower of professional football, but one of the news items that caught my attention about a month ago was the resignation of Andrew Luck, the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. Over his seven seasons, he’d endured multiple serious injuries. Despite the pain he’d been through, he achieved remarkable success, boasting a record of 53-33 and throwing 171 touchdown passes in his first 100 starts. Only three other quarterbacks in history had surpassed that record in their initial 100 games. He also led the team to the AFC Championship game in his third season and earned four Pro Bowl selections.
However, the relentless injuries took their toll, and at the age of 30, he’d had enough. Choking back his emotions during his announcement at the end of August, he explained, “I haven’t been able to live the life I wanted to live. It’s taken the joy out of the game. The only way forward for me is to remove myself from football and this cycle I’ve been in.”
He departed without a concrete plan for the future but expressed no regrets about his decision. “It felt like a weight was lifted. Part of my journey going forward is to figure out how to get out of pain.”
His decision to leave the game he loved at the age of 30 is highly unusual; he essentially walked away in his prime. Several sportscasters criticized his choice, even labeling him a coward. Others were astounded by the significant amount of money he chose to forgo. Some were displeased that he made his decision so late, leaving the team with limited time to develop a Plan B.
From my perspective, in your own career, you may encounter a moment when you must decide whether to step away from your current job or the career path you’ve been on for years. Here are the lessons I believe we can all glean from Andrew Luck’s story:
1. Your well-being outweighs any job.
In Luck’s situation, his primary concern was his physical well-being. He likely envisioned a future where he could run and play with his children at 40, and the recurring injuries were jeopardizing that. He had numerous examples of athletes who extended their careers far beyond their physical capacity.
Many non-football related professions also have a limited lifespan. A few years ago, I had carpet installed in my home, and watching those young men forcefully press their knees against the carpet spreader, I couldn’t help but imagine the potential for arthritis they might face in two decades. Roofers, landscapers, carpenters, and even repetitive tasks in manufacturing can take a significant toll on the body. I empathize with individuals who feel trapped, unsure of alternative skills, but if your job consistently causes physical pain, it might be time to explore different avenues for earning a living.
Similarly, a job should not inflict emotional pain. You are not obligated to endure a toxic work environment with a dreadful manager who thrives on negativity. If you find yourself in a job where your blood pressure rises at the thought of going to work, the stress spills over into your home life, or you feel utterly miserable about the next workday, I strongly advise considering leaving before the situation worsens.
Ultimately, no job or career is worth sacrificing your well-being. It’s time to consider stepping away when your health is at stake.
2. Don’t let others’ opinions dictate your decisions.
I suspect most people offer advice with good intentions, saying things like, “Are you crazy to leave that job? It pays so well!” or “You have such good job security, why would you leave?”
I’d wager Andrew Luck received similar advice from friends and family. He didn’t heed it, and neither should you. Your life and your career are yours to navigate. If others don’t have to live with the consequences of your situation, why give their opinions so much weight? You must carefully weigh the pros and cons of your decision for yourself and then make the choice that aligns with your and your family’s best interests.
3. Your job or career does not define your identity.
Finally, we tend to place excessive importance on our jobs or careers. So much so that when meeting someone new, we often introduce ourselves with our name followed immediately by our job title and employer. Upon reflection, this seems quite peculiar. While you dedicate a significant amount of time to your work, it should not be your defining characteristic. I say this because even if you are completely committed to your job and your company, their devotion to you is rarely as absolute.
Part of the struggle people face when losing a job is akin to an identity crisis. They grapple with how to define themselves without their former role. Yet, they remain the same individual they were the day before. Your job is a component of what you do, but you are so much more than that. Try not to lose sight of this fact.
Andrew Luck understood this. He recognized that he was more than just the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. He was a complete person who was weary of the constant physical toll. So, he hung up his cleats for the final time and walked out of the locker room, without looking back.
You can, too!